Kelly Hall sends in this email:

Dr. Barnett,

Like many others, I'm a regular reader of your blog. I never miss an entry, and find your analyses of the economic and social evolution of humanity very accurate and insightful. You have caused a sea change in my thinking about such issues, and helped me call into question that which many so-called pundits have always considered to be gospel.

I also find it instructive and enjoyable that you share with us facets of your personal life as well. It seems you have a wonderful family (Mrs. Barnett must be a saint), and despite your lofty and sometimes controversial worldview, you live your life with both feet firmly planted on the ground.

My question is this: how do you feel globalization going to affect religion and the family as we have come to know it? Despite your progressive thinking in the professional realm, you seem to be quite traditional in the personal arena. As a devoted husband and father, and a devout Catholic, do you feel the values you espouse will be radically altered as the world becomes increasingly interconected?

Keep up the great work, and don't lose either your passion or humility.

Kelly C. Hall
York, PA

Tom's reply:

If you read BFA, you see my argument that religion connects far more for the good (evangelical) than disconnects for the bad (extremist fundamental). I see more religion, not less in the 21st century, but also more reformation to mirror globalization (i.e., more acceptance of diversity and more gender equality). But more abundance generally makes people want more spirituality, not less.

Still, on average, more religiousity (faith) and less religion (churches and hierarchies). In short, it gets ever more personal and intense as we shrink the Gap. To me, good stuff.

More of this in planned Vol. III.

Thanks, Kelly. And y'all keep those emails coming in!